Public apology is needed after cruel words

I am appalled at the letter to the editor submitted last week by Lynne Kilker referencing the cover of the Oregon Living Magazine.

How degrading and demeaning to refer to our Chamber of Commerce Director’s photos as “provocative” and as a “pin-up” when it is absolutely no such thing.

The photos are amazing and the story about Oregon uplifting and positive.

On top of which, Debbie had nothing to do with writing the story or deciding what went on the cover of the magazine.

I for one believe Debbie Dickson has been a tremendous asset to our community for many years as a hard working volunteer, at the helm of the Autumn on Parade Festival and working for the chamber.

I am furious that Ms. Kilker could be so vicious and cruel. Lynne, you should be ashamed of yourself. I believe you owe Debbie a public apology!

Beth Henderson

White Pines Inn & Eagle’s Nest

Cover was not provocative

Dear Editor,

I read the letter from Lynne Kilker objecting to the cover of the latest Oregon Living magazine.

I agree with the Editor’s Note in that I did not think it was “provocative” either.

That cover did get me to inquire about membership in the Oregon Chamber of Commerce, so in that sense a positive result was achieved.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Gribbins

Oregon

Amused with letter about magazine cover

Dear Editor,

I was amused to see the letter from one of our county board representatives concerning a purported “pin-up picture” on the cover of a recent newspaper magazine.

I’ll bet the representative’s arrival at the next Chamber of Commerce meeting will be one sashaying entrance.

Speaking for myself, I’d rather see a picture of a person than some damned old cannons, which represent devices used to kill.

In the representative’s letter it’s stated “Our courthouse represents all the citizens of Ogle County.”

I will say, inside the walls of that courthouse, people representing Ogle County have taken our money in taxes and fines, taken people’s freedom, taken people’s home, passed laws to cause their neighbor a problem, and meet once a month to act like a bunch of nitwits with their petty little fights.

Sincerely,

Harold W. McMichael

Oregon

Red & White night a success

Dear Editor,

The 2013 OHS Hawks fall season has started with a successful Red & White Spirit Night.

The Oregon Hawks Booster Club would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported the fall activities participants at the 2013 Red & White Spirit Night.

We could not have asked for better weather. Everyone enjoyed meeting the 2013 Oregon Hawks, watching the athletes scrimmage, cheerleaders cheer, Pom Pom girls dance, runners run, and the band play.

The success of this event is the result of the many volunteers who donate their time, support, enthusiasm, money, and raffle items.

We would like to thank all the individuals and businesses for their donations.

Let’s Go Hawks!

Thank you,

Jennifer Rutherford

Oregon Hawks Booster Club

Road repairs leave cemetery fund depleted

Dear Editor,

It has been 13 years since White Oak Cemetery has had road repair.

With some very good help and hard work we have converted White Oak into an attractive resting place for our loved ones.

The cost of the chip and seal on the roads was $11,812, leaving the improvement fund almost flat broke.

The improvement committee has been overwhelmed with the support from the general public.

We have had lots of people thank us for the improvements made so far.

We need your support to continue our care and improvements, as many older head stones need to be re-set.

If you were part of this event and not listed please know that you are appreciated for your assistance.

The Auctioneering Services were provided by Dan Janes, Stillman Valley.

The Rock River Center Fundraising committee would like to thank the community for their support. The team: Ginger Pearson, Diane Palmer, Janelle Diehl, Dee Newton, Barb Barnes and Joyce Bruns.

The committee was assisted by the staff at Rock River Center.
Also a thank you to the team that assisted Oregon Powerhouse BBQ: Doris Rosenbalm, Ethel Palmer, Barb Giese and the men that assisted in cooking.

A special thank you to Jim Spratt and the Oregon High School Golf Team for their help in setting up, assisting and tearing down.

Rock River Center appreciates all the volunteers. Volunteers are what makes a large function seem small.

Diane Palmer. Oregon

OHS golf team thanks donors

Dear Editor,

The Oregon boys and girls golf team would like to thank everyone that helped make the 2nd annual Golf Team Play Day fund raiser at Silver Ridge Golf Course a big success.

We would like to thank Andy Gramer and the great staff at Silver Ridge for hosting our event. The parents who did almost all of the prep for the event especially Lisa Brubaker who procured the prizes from the supportive businesses in our area. The golf team mom’s aka the “Social Committee” for setting up and tearing down. Lauren and Matt Ireton from Silver Ridge for staffing and grilling the food.

And finally to all the players that played that day and braved a rainy, windy day to help support the hawks you are greatly appreciated. I hope you had fun and enjoyed the food.

All of the proceeds from this event will go directly the boys and girls golf team. For everyone associated with Oregon Golf again I would like to thank you.

Sincerely,

Coach Jim Spratt and The Hawks

Does not like magazine cover

Dear Editor,

I have received my copy of “Oregon Living Magazine.” I always look forward to this publication because of the stories about a place that I love. However, as I looked at the cover of the Fall/Winter 2013 issue, I could not believe my eyes!

For many years the Ogle County Courthouse has stood in our midst as a symbol of our government and our heritage.

I have been privileged to be elected by the people of old District 1 to serve as their county board representative.

Now, looking at the cover of this “publication” I see an individual seated on the east side of our courthouse planted firmly on one of the commemorative rocks in front of the cannons.

I looked inside the magazine to see the article. The following are the closing words: “I’m always saying to people … ‘Look at this! Did you know that our community has this and it’s awesome!”

Is that comment referencing our courthouse or is it referencing the “cheerleader” in the provocative pose?

I went to the website for the Chamber of Commerce to find a list of the board of directors. Not available.

I then began my search and have since contacted all of the board that I could find.

Each board member made it very clear that they knew nothing about this picture, this article, and most had not even seen the magazine.

I will be visiting the next meeting of the board of directors of the chamber on the third Thursday of October at 1 p.m. at the chamber office.

This “pin-up” picture might better have been taken elsewhere rather than to do a “cheap shot” at our courthouse which represents all the citizens of Ogle County. I do not wish to have it on my coffee table in my living room.

Thank you for listening. I shall keep “digging” until I find answers!

Lynne Kilker, Oregon

Editor’s Note: Decisions regarding the content, design, and what is on the cover of the Oregon Living magazine are made by Sauk Valley Media, magazine publisher and parent company of Ogle County Newspapers. We do not believe the cover is provocative.